Real Madrid backs Mbappé for Ballon d'Or as London gala approaches

Real Madrid has decided to look the Ballon d'Or in the eye again. After the 2024 snub, when the club cancelled its trip to Paris believing Vinicius would not win, the strategy has changed completely ahead of Monday's ceremony in London. The event, marking the 70th anniversary of the award at the London Palladium, matters to Madrid for one clear reason: Kylian Mbappé is widely seen as the leading contender.

Mbappé breaks his silence and launches his Ballon d'Or bid

The French forward is no longer hiding. Speaking at the press conference before Real Madrid's opening Champions League match against Inter Milan, Mbappé used the spotlight to address the award with a confidence that caught many off guard. Without waiting to be asked about the trophy, he left a direct message: he does not vote, but his World Cup performances give him more than enough ammunition to fight for the prize.

I don't vote, but I made history in the most recognized event in sport, the World Cup, and I have good feelings.

All-time World Cup top scorer with 22 goals

Mbappé's strongest argument comes from his form with France at the World Cup. In his third appearance at the tournament, he became its all-time leading scorer with 22 goals, surpassing legends who had held the record for decades. France finished fourth, and in the semifinal against Spain his attacking contribution amounted to little more than a timid shot on target, but the overall scoring record is a powerful card no other contender can match.

Sixteen Champions League goals to strengthen his case

Beyond the World Cup, Mbappé finished as the top scorer in last season's Champions League with 16 goals. The individual numbers were outstanding, even though the collective journey ended earlier than expected: Bayern Munich knocked his side out in the quarter-finals. That elimination, along with his quiet nights in key moments, is precisely the main objection that could work against him when the votes are counted.

Real Madrid buries the 2024 boycott and prepares for the London gala

The club's change of approach is unmistakable. Just two editions ago, Real Madrid refused to attend the ceremony in protest at what it considered an unfair decision regarding Vinicius. That no-show left an open wound with the award's organizers. Now, with a genuine chance that Mbappé lifts the trophy, the club has ended the ban and speaks openly about the prize through its usual channels. It is a full 180-degree turn that confirms the Ballon d'Or is once again a priority at Valdebebas.

Twelve Real Madrid players with a Ballon d'Or in their trophy cabinet

If Mbappé wins in London, he will become the twelfth Real Madrid player to receive the award. Not all of them earned it while wearing the white shirt: cases like Figo, Cannavaro, Kaká, Owen or Zidane were recognized largely for achievements at other clubs. The Frenchman, by contrast, hopes to join that historic list while proudly wearing the Real Madrid badge on his chest.

What is at stake for Mbappé at the October 26 gala

For the striker born in Bondy, the award would settle a score he has carried for years. At 27, Mbappé has still not written his name into the Ballon d'Or winners' list, a gap that contrasts sharply with his status as a generational star. Winning it in London, on the award's 70th anniversary and while defending Real Madrid's colors, would be the definitive boost to his claim as the best player on the planet.